10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 7
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
28,806 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2015 Hyundai Santa Fe engine problems

engine problem

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2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Owner Comments (Page 5 of 8)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #63

Jun 172022

Santa Fe

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Was driving vehicle to get on high way vehicle rpm went to 4,000 an then vehicle shut down dash board lite up like Christmas tree no power had to coast to break down lane put in park an nothing no clicking nothing motor seized up sat for 6 hours waiting for tow truck an now it-??s costing me $4,200 dollars out of pocket to have fixed an vehicle is just a hundred miles out of factory power Tran warranty of 100,000 miles is there anything that can be done on this at all thank you in advance..

- Tyngsboro , MA, USA

problem #62

Jun 012022

Santa Fe

  • miles
While driving, there was a noise coming from the car on acceleration. Had been using cruise control and when canceled cruise, and accelerated- the noise became worse. Car stalled and I was able to get it to the side of the road without incident. Lucky there was no other vehicles on the road at the time. Checked the oil and level was fine and no temp issues indicated. When I tried to restart, an engine light came on the dash. Got the car home by coasting in neutral, it was only 2 blocks. Couldn't get an appt for repair for over a week. Had car towed to a repair shop and they said it was a Variable Valve Timing Solenoid. On first drive after replacing this piece- indicator light came on the dash again. Left the car where it was.

- Buffalo Lake, MN, USA

problem #61

May 082022

Santa Fe

  • miles
On Mothers day 2022 while driving 70 mph on I-295 in FL, my 2015 Hyundai Sante Fe 2.0 Turbo quickly reduced speed down to 38 mph without any warning. I had to quickly cross over 2 lanes of traffic to pull over before my vehicle stopped completely it was then I noticed my check engine light on. After I pull to the side I immediately place my car in park and shut off the engine. My 15 year old son asked what was going on and why did the car smell as if something was burning. This is a huge safety issue and could have caused grave damage had I not acted as quickly as I did. With the reduced speed due to engine failure another vehicle could have slammed in the back of my vehicle and or hitting another car trying to avoid a rear end collision. My car is currently at the Hyundai dealership in Jax FL. I'm realizing there is a safety recall on my vehicle as well as a lot of others. I still don't have my vehicle back and I'm waiting on Hyundai to replace my engine. Hyundai has a backlog of vehicle different models. I loved my car and wouldike it fixed in a timely manner. Hyundai made the car with issues, they have identified their issues with the recalls now they need to take ownership and repair the issues. Something has to be done about unexpected engine stalls and or failure.

- Orange Park, FL, USA

problem #60

May 042022

Santa Fe

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Daughter was driving vehicle when began hesitating on road and losing power. She also heard knocking sound coming from engine. Concerned she would get rear ended she pulled off to side of road. No engine warning lights. Had vehicle towed to dealership where upon inspection determined total engine failure.

- Grand Rapids, MI, USA

problem #59

Feb 142022

Santa Fe

  • 194,353 miles
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact steered the vehicle off of the roadway safely. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence and then to a dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 194,353.

- Silver Spring, MD, USA

problem #58

Jan 252022

Santa Fe

  • miles
I am the 2nd owner of my 2015 Santa Fe Sport 2.0T, having purchased it in June 2018. I had regular oil changes, the last one being done on 1/24/22 at 134K miles. Engine started knocking after that oil change, so I was driving back to the repair shop on 1/25/22 when I was unable to accelerate and I pulled off to the side of the interstate. Some warning lights flashed briefly when the acceleration started, but I wasn't able to see which ones since I was more concerned with pulling safely off the road. Towed to the closest repair shop and they advised that my engine was seized and that Hyundai had an open recall so I needed to take my car to a Hyundai dealership. I had it towed to the dealership right away, where it said for the next 6+ weeks waiting to be inspected. They finally inspected it on 3/10/22 and submitted it to Hyundai for approval to replace the engine. Hyundai came back and asked for maintenance records, which I provided on 3/15/22. Today, 3/17/22, I was told Hyundai denied my claim because I didn't bring my car in for repair as soon as the the recall was issued. I didn't know there was a recall until this happened. The only thing I received in the mail was something about a hood latch problem, but that was a different issue. Once I found out about the recall (after my engine had already seized) I did go online to look up the details and Hyundai's recall specifically said that owners can continue driving their car. So even though I didn't know about the recall, and when I did find out about the recall it said the car could continue to be driven, Hyundai won't replace the engine. I tried to call Hyundai to appeal the decision and their message said the office is closed to do scheduled maintenance. There is no option to leave a message.

- Shelbyville, KY, USA

problem #57

Jan 142022

Santa Fe

  • 120,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while driving at approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. After the failure, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

- Dix Hills, NY, USA

problem #56

Feb 092022

Santa Fe

  • miles
Motor seized no warning no lights no previous issues while driving

- Garner, NC, USA

problem #55

Nov 032020

Santa Fe

  • miles
No warning lights. Had started making a small noise that morning but nothing of concern, sounded like a rock in my tire. Was driving up hill, started struggling, then lost all power, had no brakes, Parts went flying out from under car. Smoke came out from hood. Had no brakes or power. Cars behind me could have been hit by flying parts, left a trail of parts on road. I had my kids in car and if we would have been going down hill I wouldn-??t have been able to stop. Had entire engine replaced. Hole in engine block. Piston and and valve pieces on road

- Hilo, HI, USA

problem #54

Jan 022022

Santa Fe

  • miles
My car shut down while traveling at a normal speed on a freeway and I had to pull over as it slowed down. This was unsafe on a busy highway while I waited 3 hours to be towed. The car dealer service center stated a faulty connecting rod bearing failure caused the problem and requires a new engine to be installed. There were no warning lights or sounds prior to the problem. Regular maintenance was done including an oil change and filter within the 6month recommendation. The dealership said there was no oil and the engine seized.

- Fairport Harbor, OH, USA

problem #53

Dec 302021

Santa Fe

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The engine completely failed while driving on the highway. The check engine light appeared approximately 20 minutes prior to event. Vehicle was serviced regularly, Including at a hyundai dealership in July. Per our independent mechanic the engine seized up. The engine is available upon request.

- Saint Louis, MO, USA

problem #52

Nov 112021

Santa Fe

  • miles
Per the Theta Engine Recall Settlement, I had the recall work performed on my 2015 Hyundai Sante Fe on August 23, 2021. Roughly in October, the oil light faded on and off on the dashboard. I pulled into the Autozone and purchased 1 Quart of engine oil. I checked the dipstick in the parking lot and added the quart to the proper fill line of the engine dipstick. On 11/11/2021, while driving my vehicle, without any warning, the engine stopped and shut the car off in traffic. The oil light, check engine light, and service light came on then went off. I attempted 5 times to restart the engine before it would run. I took it to a Midas Auto shop where the diagnostic advised the engine failed and was damaged. I had the vehicle towed to Larry H. Miller Hyundai in Peoria, AZ 85382. The diagnostics indicated that the engine failed as was due to the fact of the Theta Class Engine Recall. The mechanic, service manager, and service advisor took notes and photographs of the valve train on the engine block. They advised the vehicle engine was damaged and needed replacement. They advised they did not find any indications of lack of maintenance. The engine was low on oil as it is apparent that the engine was more likely running hot. Hyundai Motors has denied the extended warranty claim (even though the recall updates have been completed prior to the engine failure). I have appealed within the company for the replacement of the engine but Hyundai is continuing to deny the claims. The dealership has advised other customers are being denied for the same reason just due to gaps in service records even though there are no indications of wear of the engine. Hyundai has since tried to settle the claim with me for $500 to release the company from any liability that the HMA failed to conform the vehicle to warranty in connection fo my concerns and history repair.

- Peoria, AZ, USA

problem #51

Oct 152021

Santa Fe

  • miles
On or about October 16th 2021. After leaving a resturant I was unable to restart my car. It just would not turn over. I called a tow truck thinking It was possibly the starter. The vehicle was towed to Kia, where it was purchased. Upon inspection they(mechanics) also thought it was the starter. Being that the car is under an extended warranty, they contacted the appropriate company for the coverage. However the starter was or isn't the problem, they now believe it's the engine. Mind you I have less than 100,000 miles. I was told I would possiblly incounter a cost of $900 for them to determine what's wrong with the vehicle" At the time of me submitting this complaint, my car has been in the repair shop for 3 months. Can you imagine my rental expenses" I"ve read through several complaints of people expressing their concerns and complaints for this same or similar problem, It appears to me that Hyundai has a problem. I"m still without a vehicle.

- New Orleans, LA, USA

problem #50

Dec 012021

Santa Fe

  • miles
Shortly after getting on the freeway the car suddenly decelerated and came to a complete stop. I was able to pull onto the shoulder just in time. The engine died and would not restart. My daughter and I were in a very dangerous situation that could have been tragic. The car was towed to a mechanic that confirmed the engine had seized and a whole new motor is needed.

- Buena Park, CA, USA

problem #49

Sep 042021

Santa Fe

  • miles
On September 4, 2021 at approximately 11:30pm, my vehicle suffered a catastrophic engine failure while driving on a busy freeway in Southern California. There was no warning, only an immediate power lost and inability to accelerate, followed by a flashing check engine light and a chiming alert bell. My husband was driving and he was able to make it across 3 busy traffic lanes to the emergency lane. The sudden lost of power and the inability to accelerate created a significant danger on this busy freeway, California State Route 91. I believe we could have caused a significant accident on that freeway if we had not been able to pull over to the emergency lane in time. Since this incident, I learned through my own online research, that my vehicle was included in a class-action lawsuit which was settled on June 10, 2021. I purchased my vehicle used in late January 2021, and I was never informed of the danger the Theta II GDI engine in my vehicle posed. My engine was replaced under the Lifetime Warranty provided by the Settlement Agreement, however, I am very concerned that the hazards that this vehicle posed to my family was never revealed by the dealer I purchased it from or by Hyundai in the months following my purchase. I hope something can be done to warn other used car buyers at the time they purchase a vehicle involved in this this Class-Action Settlement of the dangers the engine poses.

- Redlands, CA, USA

problem #48

Oct 092021

Santa Fe

  • miles
I do not know to the best of my knowledge but I do know at 80,000 miles my mechanic did a full plus and coil pack change and I-??m not due for an oil change for 2000 miles but for some reason my 3rd cylinder is failing and they can-??t figure it out so I-??m having it taken back to the dealership.

- Knoxville, TN, USA

problem #47

Sep 152021

Santa Fe

  • miles
While driving home from work on a busy highway, the vehicle engine stopped without a warning. No noises no warning lights nothing. I am fortunate that I was in traffic and no one was behind me driving the normal 50 mph speed limit or I would have been severely injured. I was able to pull the car to the side of the road. The car would not turn over when pressing the ignition switch. The car was towed to a local repair shop and they thought it to be the starter, so that was replaced. They got the car to start, but it only ran with a very loud noise coming from the engine for approximately 20 minutes. The car no longer will turn over. It has now been towed again to a local Hyundai dealership and is awaiting a diagnosis. The local repair shop called again today letting us know that they just had another Hyundai Santa Fe in for the exact same issue and they have taken that car as well to the local dealership. There was no warning light, there were no loud noises from the engine, no smoke, nothing, it just stopped while I was driving it. I have had no issues with this vehicle, we have owned it for approximately 3 years and it has just over 100,000 miles on it. Doing research it appears that many others who own a 2015 Santa Fe are reporting the same problems. I will continue to research and escalate a consumer investigation into this issue.

- Gibsonia, PA, USA

problem #46

Oct 112021

Santa Fe

  • 100,000 miles
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would hesitate and jerk upon the depression of the accelerator pedal. Recently, the contact stated that the vehicle would shut off without warning. The contact stated that the vehicle would immediately restart after failure. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

- Upper Marlboro, MD, USA

problem #45

Sep 162021

Santa Fe

  • miles
The car stalled and reduced speed immediately from 30 mph to about 5 mph or less. it did not accelerate i had to pull over and tow to dealership. Car has a knocking noise also. this is two signs of the engine bearing and/or connecting rod bearing wear in the santa fes. Hyundai refused my claim to replace engine because the dealership could not replicate the problem. the car turned on again and drove fine according to the dealership. I do not feel safe driving the car, THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, IT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE THE CAR LIKE THIS, THE CAR COULD STALL IN THE HIGHWAY AT 70 MPH AND COULD CAUSE A CRASH HARMING MYSELF AND OTHERS. ACCORDING TO HYUNDAI WEBSITE IF CONTINUING TO DRIVE THE CAR IT COULD ALSO CAUSE A FIRE DUE TO MORE DAMAGE TO THE CONNECTING ROD. HYUNDAI NEEDS TO RECALL ALL 2015 SANTA FE VEHICLES AND REPLACE ENGINE. MY ENGINE WAS ALREADY REPLACED IN 2020 AND NOW IS HAVING PROBLEMS AGAIN.

- Brandon, FL, USA

problem #44

May 222021

Santa Fe

  • miles
2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited Ultimate 3.3L Vin F 114,441 miles No prior mechanical issues, pulled out on busy highway and pushed the gas pedal to merge into traffic. Upon pushing the gas pedal the car revved high rpms but would only go 5 mph. I was afraid I was going to get rear ended so quickly pulled off the road. Pulled off the road and restarted the car, the check engine light came on and the engine was shuddering and shaking. Put car in drive and there was no power took about 300 feet to get vehicle up to 30mph. Upon driving further had smell of exhaust fumes. Took the vehicle to the Courtesy Hyundai in Tampa and awaited the diagnosis on 5/22. Initial codes P0018, P2A03, and P0088 misfires on cylinders 2,4,6. Dealer said the CVVT Timing chain and tensioners were bad. I asked if I paid the $3800 if it would remedy the concerns. They told me only way to guarantee would be to put a used motor in the car. Compression was good in the engine. Service person said for $1500 more an engine was the best bet. We agreed told them to replace at $5400. Over the next few weeks we were told the engine was on order to later find out they had never ordered the engine. This happened twice, finally they said I would have to source the engine. After numerous lies, the service tech we learned was fired. The new engine quote came back at $8700. We had two separate cases with Hyundai USA the last being #18440449. I find it odd that the dealership had 50-60 Hyundai Sports awaiting replacement engines from Hyundai, yet they could never tell me what was wrong with my vehicle. Service tech of 23 years couldn't identify the issue. We removed the vehicle from the dealership on 7/31 wasting 10 weeks for no help from Hyundai. I believe Hyundai is having the same issue with the 3.3L as they are with the 2.4L Sport models.

- Tampa, FL, USA

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